Wife of battered Salterforth veteran dies aged 89 (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Wife of battered Salterforth veteran dies aged 89

5:26pm Tuesday 21st April 2009 in

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THE wife of an 89-year-old war veteran savagely beaten by burglars has died less than six months after the attack.

Mollie Schofield died at Sycamore Rise Nursing Home, Hill Lane, Colne, on Saturday, April 11.

She and husband Bob moved into the home after robbers broke into their house, in Chapel Hill, Salterforth last November.

Mollie, 89, was left traumatised by the attack while Bob spent six weeks in hospital after suffering severe facial injuries.

Mollie had suffered from ill health for a prolonged period and was cared for by her family.

Earlier this year the incident was reconstructed on the BBC’s Crimewatch, prompting calls from hundreds of people.

A team of 16 door-to-door salesmen were arrested in connection with the attack in November but were later released without charge.

Det Insp Dave Groombridge, of Pendle CID, who led the investigation, said: “Our thoughts are with Mollie’s family and friends.

"We think also at this time of Bob, who struggles on without his life companion, but we feel reassured that he is enveloped in the love and affection of many.

“This elderly couple have endured much plight in recent months, which has touched many people.”

Mollie also leaves son John, daughter-in-law Dee and two grandchildren.

Her funeral will take place at St Mary LeGhyll Church, in Barnoldswick, at 2pm, on Tuesday, then a family-only cremation.

Family flowers have been requested, with donations to the Special Baby Care Unit at Airedale General Hospital.